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Calcite is a versatile mineral treasured by lapidarists for its beautiful forms and dazzling colors. As a relatively soft mineral with a Mohs hardness of 3, calcite may not be suitable for all jewelry applications, but its variability makes it perfect for artful lapidary work. The most prized calcite specimens feature brilliant crystal formations, like the transparent Iceland … [Read more...] about The Marvelous World of Calcite: Origins, Varieties, and Uses

Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that forms when lava from a volcano cools rapidly. This igneous rock is produced from felsic lava that contains high levels of silica, oxygen, aluminum, sodium, and potassium. When the molten lava comes in contact with air or water, it cools nearly instantly, creating a glass with minimal crystal growth. Obsidian is typically … [Read more...] about Obsidian Unearthed: From Lava to Luster, the Journey of a Gem

Crystals are formed through a process called crystallization, which occurs when molecules gather to stabilize as a liquid cools and hardens. This can happen when magma hardens or when water evaporates from a natural mixture. In underground cavities, crystals grow through atoms that connect in regular three-dimensional patterns. As more atoms join and create a uniform and … [Read more...] about Nature’s Masterpieces: How Crystals Are Formed

Serpentine is a group of minerals that share similar physical properties and geological origins. The most common serpentine minerals are antigorite, chrysotile, and lizardite. These minerals form through a process called serpentinization, which occurs when ultramafic rocks like peridotite and dunite are altered by heat and water. The most striking feature of serpentine … [Read more...] about Uncoiling the Secrets of Serpentine: Nature’s Marvelous Green Gem

Cinnabar is a bright scarlet to brick-red mineral that has captivated humans for millennia. Composed of mercury sulfide (HgS), this heavy, soft mineral crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system and occurs mainly as a vein-filling deposit near volcanic activity and hot springs. With its beautiful red color, high specific gravity, and perfect cleavage, cinnabar has long been … [Read more...] about The Crimson Alchemy: Unveiling the Beauty and Uses of Cinnabar